The City of Cornwall has asked the Ontario Superior Court of Justice whether mayoral candidate and current Councillor Sarah Good is in default under the Municipal Elections Act over her 2022 campaign finance filing.
In a news release issued Tuesday, the city said it has filed a reference application with the court.
According to the city, the question arises from a concern raised with city election staff in 2026 about the non-filing of an auditor’s report by Good in respect of the 2022 election.
In a statement to the Seeker, Good said she filed her 2022 financial statement in good faith and that it was accepted as complete.
“I filed my Financial Statement for the 2022 Municipal Election in good faith after meeting in person with the City Clerk and reviewing each section together in detail. My statement was accepted as complete. I received no notice of a deficiency for more than three years, until the final day of the nomination period on August 21st. I will be in court on Friday to respond openly and honestly and cooperate fully with the court’s requirements,” Good said.
The Act sets out automatic penalties if a candidate is found to be in default, including ineligibility to run for council until after the next election. The city says the question it has put to the court is whether a default has occurred.
The court has not yet heard the matter. Good remains a certified candidate for mayor in the Oct. 26 municipal election while the court considers the reference, the city said.
According to the city’s timeline, Good was elected to council in 2022 and afterward filed a campaign finance statement, which the city accepted. She filed nomination papers to run for mayor on Aug. 20, 2026, and election staff certified her nomination the same day based on supporting documentation and 2022 election records.
The city says a concern about the completeness of Good’s 2022 filing was brought forward on Aug. 21, and that staff had not been aware of any question about the filing before then. After a review by staff and by internal and external legal counsel, the city says it decided to seek the court’s direction, citing the complexity of the matter and the need for impartiality.
“The City administration has an obligation to remain impartial and to protect the integrity of the municipal election process and intends to follow the direction of the Court,” said chief administrative officer Tim Mills.
Mills said it would be inappropriate for the city to comment further while the question is before the court, and that an update will be provided once the court issues its decision.
The reference is scheduled to be heard Friday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m.
About the Author
